H-Connect Helps You to Quit Smoking

Here are some tips to help you quit smoking.

Pick a 'quit date' and stick to it.

Increase your chances of success by choosing a day on which you are not likely to be subject to lots of stress.

List your reasons for quitting.

Knowing why you want to stop smoking will motivate you to keep going. You can refer to this list whenever you feel tempted to light up a cigarette.

Decide on your quitting strategy.

Do you intend to go cold turkey, use nicotine replacement therapy or attend group courses?

Analyse what went wrong if previous attempts to quit didn't work.

Plan how to avoid the same pitfalls this time.

Ask for professional help.

Support is available from your doctor, a smoking cessation course or the Quitline telephone service.

Use the 4Ds method to cope with cigarette cravings.

This means you delay lighting up and deep breathe, drink water and do something else until the urge passes. 

Give yourself a pat on the back.

Every time you resist the urge to smoke, you're one step closer to breaking your nicotine habit for good. 

Reward yourself for not smoking.

Put your cigarette money aside and spend it on treats such as a book, DVD or restaurant meal.

Plan for tough situations.

For example, you might decide to turn down social invitations for a few weeks if your cigarette cravings are stronger when you're out drinking with friends.

Take it one day at a time.

Focus on not smoking today and don't be swayed into having 'just one' more. 

Smoking is interesting, but it may put your life in danger, read suggestions from H-connect Electronic Health Records Portal